Rajini unveils MGR statue, delivers debut speech after floating party

Amid his next keenly awaited move in politics, veteran star Rajinikanth today unveiled a statue of late Chief Minister M G Ramachandran at a private medical college in Chennai in the presence of a huge crowd.

He is now addressing the gathering at Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute in Chennai.

"I think my fans have erected banners, disturbing free flow of public movement is violation of High Court orders. I request the fans not to indulge in such activities," he said.

Arriving to a grand reception by fans and supporters and accompanied by some prominent faces from the Kollywood, the superstar unveiled the statue located at the premises of ACS Medical College and Hospital in Chennai.

Actors Prabhu, son of late thespian Sivaji Ganesan, and Vijayakumar were amongst those from the film industry present on the occasion.

This is Rajinikanth's first major public engagement since he revealed his political intentions on December 31, 2017.

The 'superstar' had then announced that he will join politics, and field candidates in all 234 assembly segments in the next general elections.

The road leading to the function venue was dotted withbanners and posters hailing and welcoming the actor.

Rajinikanth gave away awards to some students on the occasion.

His event today comes days after contemporary Kamal Haasan launched his political party Makkal Needhi Maiam.

Observers feel that by unveiling the statue of Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR -- also a matinee idol who held sway over the masses of Tamil Nadu, Rajinikanth is apparently seeking to invoke his legacy.  -- PTI, ANI